Africa's youth (under 18) population is expected to swell to approximately one billion by the year 2050.

According to the BBC News, "Africa's under-18 population will swell by two-thirds to reach almost a billion by 2050, a new UN report says. The findings show a "massive shift in the world's child population towards Africa", it says."

Leila Gharagozlou, Unicef's regional director for eastern and southern Africa, is quoted as saying that, "By investing in children now - in their health, education and protection - Africa could realise the economic benefits experienced previously in other regions and countries that have undergone similar demographic shifts."

As reported by the BBC, "Its projections indicate that by 2050, about 40% of all children will be in Africa, up from around 10% in 1950. This is despite the fact that child mortality rates in Africa will remain high, it says."

A baby boom in Africa could boost the continent's economy in the long-term.